Sherrie Diane Bryant, 63, Spokane, Wash., died Aug. 8, 2011, in Spokane. She was born July 2, 1948, in Addison, Ill.

She was the founder and first president of a Freedom From Religion Foundation chapter now called the Inland Northwest Freethought Society. Sherrie was a woman of many talents and interests and was active in many causes. She was a diesel mechanic in the Army and later owned a bookstore. She taught her daughters to change their own oil and tires and her sons to sew.

As a Toastmasters member, she tried to stop prayers opening meetings. Her motion failed, 11-1. She served on the Spokane Human Rights Commssion, was a volunteer for domestic violence and rape victims and adopted stray animals. Sherrie loved music and played the fiddle and the banjo with the Mountain Musicians.

Survivors include Bill Bryant, her husband of 28 years; four children; four stepchildren; several grandchildren and a great-grandchild.